Page 97 of Wild Ever After
By the time we get to the restaurant, it’s almost eleven. I’m always amped up on game nights. It’s hard to get to sleep until early in the morning, as I come down from the high of pushing my mind and body, but Jade covers a yawn as our drinks arrive.
“Sorry,” I say.
“Don’t you dare be sorry. This is amazing. No one has ever done something like this for me.”
“Still. Maybe we should order and take it home.”
“I’ll be fine with a little caffeine.” She takes a sip of her Coke. “This is so nice. Seriously. I had no idea you had this in you.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, me either.”
“You’ve never brought a girl here before?” Her gaze narrows slightly as she waits for my answer.
“Definitely not.”
“And the dress?”
“Didn’t even know that was possible. You can thank Jack for that.”
“I can’t figure you out, Declan Sato.”
“What’s there to figure out?”
“You’re so considerate and generous, plus ridiculously hot.”
I smile at that. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of her telling me I’m hot. Not that it’s something I strive for exactly, but as long as I’ve been on the team, it’s been Jack or Leo that girls are drawn to by looks alone. Ash picks up women because of his fun spirit and charm. I was the guy that sort of faded into the background. Happily, mostly. It was less drama, and my focus was on making something of myself.
But then Jade shows up and I want her to notice me. I think I always wanted her to notice me.
“Sounds to me like you already have me figured out. Considerate, generous, and hot. I can live with that.”
She keeps smiling at me for a beat, then slowly it dims, and she gets serious. “Why me?”
Jade’s the kind of girl who’d never ask to eat at a fancy restaurant or buy a nice dress, which makes me want to give her whatever she wants. But that isn’t what she’s asking. How do you explain being drawn to someone before you even knew them?
“I don’t know. I’m not good with words like you. Making you smile and laugh is like watching the goalpost light up. It feels good, deep inside me.”
“Wow.” Jade’s smile returns. “I think you’re pretty good with words. Don’t let Melody find out. She’ll fire me to hire you.”
“Doubtful.” I stare at her over the candlelight. The lights in this place are dim and we’re at a table far in the back to give us privacy. “How’s work been?”
Her smile falls a little. “Okay.”
I cock one brow. It’s been tense. I can tell by the extra hours and stressful pacing she does every time she has to turn in an article.
“Interest in my online and print pieces have declined. It’s been weeks since I’ve had any media requests. I’m afraid she’s going to cut me completely.”
“Fire you?”
She shrugs. “It’s almost worse than if I’d said no to going through with the wedding. Who’s going to hire a writer, who took a thriving weekly column and drove it into the ground?”
“I’m sorry. What can I do?”
“Nothing. I’ll figure it out.” She attempts a smile, but it’s covering real fear. I can see it in her eyes.
The mood lightens over dinner. The food is incredible. We order steak and mashed potatoes and lasagna, sharing both, then top it off with chocolate cake.
I don’t want the night to end, but Jade’s covering more yawns the later it gets.
